Biographical Memorials of James Oglethorpe by Thaddeus Mason Harris

Its easy to link to paragraphs in the Full Text ArchiveIf this page contains some material that you want to link to but you don't want your visitors to have to scroll down the whole page just hover your mouse over the relevent paragraph and click the bookmark icon that appears to the left of it. The address of that paragraph will appear in the address bar of your browser. For further details about how you can link to the Full Text Archive please refer to our linking page.

inhabitants of this province have shewn for assisting that colony; andcould not think of any better opportunity than now, when the wholeprovince is virtually present in its General Assembly. I am,therefore, gentlemen, to thank you for the handsome assistance givenby private persons, as well as by the public. I am to thank you,not only in the name of the Trustees, and the little colony now inGeorgia, but in behalf of all the distressed people of Britain andpersecuted Protestants of Europe, to whom a place of refuge will besecured by this first attempt.

"Your charitable and generous proceeding, besides theself-satisfaction which always attends such actions, will be of thegreatest advantage to this province. You, gentlemen, are the bestjudges of this; since most of you have been personal witnesses of thedangerous blows which this country has escaped from French, Spanish,and Indian arms. Many of you know this by experience, havingsignalized yourselves personally, either when this province by itsown strength, and unassisted by any thing but the courage of itsinhabitants and the providence of God, repulsed the formidableinvasions of the French; or when it defeated the whole body of thesouthern Indians, who were armed against it, and was invaded by theSpaniards, who assisted them. You, gentlemen, know that there was atime when every day brought fresh advices of murders, ravages, andburnings; when no profession or calling was exempted from arms; whenevery inhabitant of the province was obliged to leave wife, family,and useful occupations, and undergo the fatigues of war, for thenecessary defence of the country; and all their endeavors scarcelysufficient to guard the western and southern frontiers against theIndians.

"It would be needless for me to tell you, who are much better judges,how the increasing settlement of a new colony upon the southernfrontiers, will prevent the like danger for the future. Nor need Itell you how every plantation will increase in value, by the safety ofthe Province being increased; since the lands to the southward alreadysell for above double what they did before the new Colony arrived.Nor need I mention the great lessening of the burden of the people byincreasing the income of the tax from the many thousand acres of landeither taken or taking up on the prospect of future security.

"The assistance which the Assembly have given, though not quiteequal to the occasion, is very large with respect to the presentcircumstances of the Province; and, as such, shows you to be kindbenefactors to your new-come countrymen, whose settlements yousupport; and dutiful subjects to his Majesty, whose revenues anddominions you by this means increase and strengthen.

"As I shall soon return to Europe, I must recommend the infant Colonyto your further protection; being assured, both from your generosityand wisdom, that you will, in case of any danger or necessity, give itthe utmost support and assistance."

To the insertion of this speech in the _Political State of GreatBritain_, October, 1733, page 361, it is added, "On the Sunday eveningfollowing he set out again for Georgia; so that we may perceivethat there is no endeavor wanting in him to establish and make thatsettlement a flourishing colony; but his conduct in this whole affairis by much the more extraordinary, and the more to be applauded,because, by the nature of the settlement, he cannot so much as expectany private or particular benefit; he cannot possibly have any otherreward but that which is the certain, the eternal reward of goodactions, a consciousness of having done a service to his country, andto mankind."

Favored by their industry, and the smiles of a propitious providencein that delightful region, "the wilderness and the solitary place wasglad for them; and the desert rejoiced and blossomed as a rose."[1]"They planted vineyards, and made themselves gardens, and set out inthem trees of all kinds of fruits."[2]

[Footnote 1: Isaiah, xxxv. 1.]

[Footnote 2: Ecclesiastes, ii. 3.]

In aid and encouragement of the settlement, the Trustees receiveda letter from THOMAS PENN, Proprietor of Pennsylvania, datedPhiladelphia, March 6th, 1732-3, approving very highly of theundertaking, promising to contribute all the assistance in his power,and acquainting them that he had for himself subscribed one hundredpounds sterling, and that he was collecting what sums of money hecould get from others, to be sent them, in order to be employed forthe purposes of their charter[1].

[Footnote 1: _Political State of Great Britain_, for June, 1733, Vol.XLV. p. 543.]

It has been already observed that "Oglethorpe endeavored very early tosecure the favor of the Indians, who, by ranging through the woods,would be capable of giving constant intelligence to prevent anysurprise upon the people, and would be a good out-guard for the inlandparts of the Colony; as also to obtain of them grants of territory,and privilege of undisturbed occupancy and improvement[1]." He waspleased, therefore, on his return from Charlestown, to find the chiefsof the Lower Creeks in waiting; the purpose of whose visit, asmade known by Mr. Wiggan[2] and Mr. John Musgrove, who acted asinterpreters, was to treat on an alliance with the Colony.

[Footnote 1: _Account, showing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia,from its first Establishment_. Lond. 1741, p. 13.]

[Footnote 2: William Wiggan, who accompanied Sir Alexander Cuming inthe beginning of the year 1731, on his journey to the Cherokees,is, in the narrative of that expedition, called not merely "theinterpreter," but "the complete linguist."]

These Creeks consisted of eight tribes, united in a kind of politicalconfederacy; all speaking the same language, but being under separatejurisdictions. Their deputation was composed of their micoes, orchiefs, and leading warriors, about fifty in number.[1]

[Footnote 1: "Besides a king, every Indian town has a head warrior, whois in great esteem among them, and whose authority seems to be greaterthan their kings; because the king is looked upon as little else thana civil magistrate, except it so happens that he is at the same timea head warrior." _Narrative of a Journey among the Indians in theNorthwest parts of South Carolina_, 1731, by Sir ALEXANDER CUMING.See, also, Appendix, No. XII.]

The General received them with courtesy, and then invited them to "atalk," in one of the new houses. He informed them that the English, bycoming to settle there, did not pretend to dispossess, nor think toannoy the natives; but above all things desired to live on good termswith them, and hoped, through their representatives, now present, toobtain from them a cession of that part of the region on which he hadentered, and to form and confirm a treaty of friendship and trade.

When he had explained his views with respect to the settlers, andtheir designs in making the location, Ouechachumpa, a very tall oldman, in the name of the rest, informed the British adventurers whatwas the extent of the country claimed by their tribes. He acknowledgedthe superiority of the white men to the red; and said that he waspersuaded that the Great Spirit who dwelt above and all around, (whoseimmensity he endeavored to express by throwing abroad his hands,and prolonging his articulations as he spoke,) had sent the Englishthither for the good of the natives; and, therefore, they were welcometo all the land which the Creeks did not use themselves. He confirmedhis speech by laying before Oglethorpe eight buckskins, one for eachof the Creeks; the best things, he said, that they had to bestow. Hethanked them for their kindness to Tomo Chichi, who, it seems, hadbeen banished with some of his adherents, from his own nation; butfor his valor and wisdom had been chosen mico by the Yamacraws, anemigrating branch of the same stock.

The declarations of the speaker were confirmed by short speeches ofthe others; when Tomo Chichi, attended by some of his friends, camein, and, making a low obeisance, said, "When these white men came,I feared that they would drive us away, for we were weak; but theypromised not to molest us. We wanted corn and other things, and theyhave given us supplies; and now, of our small means, we make thempresents in return. Here is a buffalo skin, adorned with the headand feathers of an eagle. The eagle signifies speed, and the buffalostrength. The English are swift as the eagle, and strong as thebuffalo. Like the eagle they flew hither over great waters; and likethe buffalo nothing can withstand them. But the feathers of theeagle are soft, and signify kindness; and the skin of the buffalo iscovering, and signifies protection. Let these, then, remind them to bekind, and protect us."

The alliance was soon made. The treaty contained stipulations on thepart of the English, concerning trade; reparation of injuries, shouldany be committed; and punishment for impositions, should any bepractised upon them; and, on the part of the Indians, a free andformal cession of that part of the region which was not used by theYamacraws, nor wanted by the Creeks. By this cession they made a grantto the Trustees of the lands upon Savannah river as far as the riverOgechee, and all the lands along the sea-coast between Savannah andAlatamaha rivers, extending west as high as the tide flows, andincluding all the islands; the Indians reserving to themselves theislands of Ossabaw, Sapeloe, and St. Catherines, for the purposes ofhunting, bathing and fishing; as also the tract of land lying betweenPipe-maker's bluff and Pallachucola creek, above Yamacraw bluff, whichthey retained as an encampment when they should come to visit theirbeloved friends in that vicinity. This special reservation of someislands had been made by them in their treaty with Governor Nicholson,in 1722.

Oglethorpe then presented to each of the eight chiefs a laced coatand hat, and a shirt; to each of the eight war-captains, a gun, withpowder, flint, bullets and shot; to the beloved men a duffle mantleof coarse cloth;--and distributed some smaller presents among theirattendants. Upon this they took their leave of him, highly satisfiedwith the treatment which they had met.[1]

[Footnote 1: This Treaty was sent to England, and was confirmed by theTrustees on the 18th of October, 1733. For a copy of it, see McCALL,_History of Georgia_, Appendix to Vol. I. p. 357.

The _History of Georgia_, by Major McCALL has great merit. It waswritten by the worthy author under circumstances of bodily suffering,submitted to, indeed with meekness, borne with heroic fortitude, andendured with unfailing patience. It is wonderful that he succeededso well in the accomplishment of his work, considering the scantymaterials which he could procure; for he says, that, "without map orcompass, he entered an unexplored forest, destitute of any otherguide than a few ragged pamphlets, defaced newspapers, and scraps ofmanuscripts."]

Having taken much pains to become acquainted with the character of thenatives, he furnished a very intelligent traveller, by whom he wasvisited, with an interesting account of their manners and customs; whoannexed it to the published volume of his travels.[1]

[Footnote 1: As this is an extremely rare book, I give the title froma copy in the library of Harvard College. "_A new voyage to Georgia,by a young gentleman: giving an account of his travels in SouthCarolina, and part of North Carolina. To which is added a curiousaccount of the Indians by an Honorable Person; and a Poem to JamesOglethorpe, Esq., on his arrival from Georgia_." London, 1735. 12mo.

The author of the "_History of Georgia_," contained in the 40th volumeof the "_Universal History_," page 456, quotes passages from this"Account of the Indians," and ascribes it to Oglethorpe.--Mr. SALMONin the 3d vol. of his _Modern History_, p. 602, giving an account of_the present state of Georgia_, introduces a quotation from what hecalls "Mr. OGLETHORPE'S account of the religion and government of theCreeks," in the following words: "Mr. OGLETHORPE, speaking of thereligion and government of the Creek nation, in 'a letter from Georgiato a person of honor in London,' says 'There seems to be a way openedto our Colony towards the conversion of the Indians,' &c. This isdecisive in fixing the author; for Mr. SALMON knew the Generalpersonally; and, on publishing another edition of his elaborate work,obtained from him, a very interesting '_Continuation of the presentstate of Georgia_.'" The Letter is copied into the _Gentleman'sMagazine_, Vol. III. p. 108 and 483. See also Appendix, No. XIII.]

On the 18th of June he went to the Horse-quarter, which lies six milesup the river Ogechee, and there took with him Captain McPherson, witha detachment of his rangers, on an excursion into the interior. Aftera march of forty miles westward, he chose a post, commanding thepassages by which the Indians used to invade Carolina in the latewars. Here, upon an eminence which commands all the country round,he directed that a fortification should be built, to be called "FortArgyle," in memory of his honored patron John Duke of Argyle.[1] It ison the west bank of the Ogechee river. Its design was to protect thesettlers from invasions by the Spaniards. Captain McPherson and histroop were to be quartered there, and ten families from Savannah to beremoved, as cultivators, to its immediate vicinity.

[Footnote 1: See Appendix, No. XIV.]

On the 7th of July, at day break, the inhabitants of Savannah wereassembled on the strand for the purpose of designating the wards ofthe town, and assigning the lots. In a devotional service, theyunited in thanksgiving to God, that the lines had fallen to them in apleasant place, and that they were about to have a goodly heritage.The wards and tithings were then named; each ward consisting of fourtithings, and each tithing of ten houses; and a house lot was givento each freeholder. There being in Derby ward but twenty one housesbuilt; and the other nineteen having no house erected on them, Mr.Milledge and Mr. Goddard, the two chief carpenters, offered, in thename of themselves and seventeen of their helpers, to take the unbuilton lots, and give the built ones to those who were less able to helpthemselves.

The people then partook of a plentiful dinner, which their generousGovernor had provided.[1]

[Footnote 1: An account of this transaction in the _South CarolinaGazette_, under the date of August 8th, closes with this remark; "Someof the people having privately drunk too freely of rum, are dead; andthat liquor, which was always discountenanced there, is now absolutelyprohibited."]

In the afternoon the grant of a Court of Record was read, and theofficers were appointed. The session of the magistrates was then held,a jury impanneled, and a case tried.

These were necessary regulations for establishing a due regard toorder, discipline, and government. And yet, with all the influencewhich their honored leader could give to sanction the measures andsupport the authority, there was much to be done to render theadministration effective. The settlers had no common bond ofattachment or accordance; of course, it was very difficult to disposethem to the reciprocal offices of a social state, much more so to thestill higher obligations of a civil compact. Together with these aimsof those who were put into places of authority, they were obligeddaily to use their endeavors to bring the restive and quarrelsomeinto proper subordination; to keep the sluggish and lazy diligentlyemployed, and to teach the thriftless to be economical and prudent.

"Tantae molis erat disjunctis condere Gentem!"

CHAPTER V.

Oglethorpe intended to visit Boston, in New England--GovernorBelcher's Letter to him--Provincial Assembly appoint a Committee toreceive him--Sets out on an exploratory Excursion--Names an Island,Jekyl--Visits Fort Argyle--Returns to Savannah--Saltzburgh emigrants,conducted by Baron Von Reck, come to settle in Georgia--Oglethorpeassists them in selecting a place--They call it Ebenezer--He then goesup the river to Palacholas--Returns--Goes to Charlestown, with TomoChichi and other Indians, in order to take passage to England.

Oglethorpe intended to have made the tour of the Colonies;particularly to have visited Boston, in Massachusetts. Apprized ofthis intention, Governor Belcher addressed to him the followingletter[1].

[Footnote 1: Copied from the letter-book of Governor Belcher, in thecabinet of the Massachusetts Historical Society.]

Boston, New England, May 3d, 1733. HONORED SIR,

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you on your safe arrival in America; and I have a still greater in the advantages which these parts of his Majesty's dominions will reap from your noble and generous pursuits of good to mankind in the settlement of Georgia. May God Almighty attend you with his blessing, and crown your toils with success. Several of my friends, sir, from London, acquaint me with your intentions to pass by land from South Carolina, through the king's territories as far as this place; where I shall be very proud of shewing you the just esteem which I have for you; and shall depend that you will please to accept such quarters as my habitation affords during your stay in this government. When you get to Philadelphia or New York, I shall be glad of the favor of a line from you, to know how and when you make your route hither.

I am, with great respect, sir,

Your most obedient, and most humble servant,

JONATHAN BELCHER.

At the next Assembly of the Province, the Governor, in a specialmessage, apprized them of the expectation which he had of a visit fromthe General; and in the House of Representatives "it was ordered thata committee should be raised to prepare for the reception of JamesOglethorpe, Esq., who may be expected in Boston this summer; that sothe government may express their grateful sense of his good servicesto the public interest of the Province."

June 21st, 1733, the following motion was agreed on:--

"Whereas James Oglethorpe, Esq., a member of Parliament, and now atGeorgia, near South Carolina, hath at several times appeared in favorof New England; and, in a particular manner done many good officesfor this Province, of which this Court hath been advised by Mr. AgentWilkes, and that he intends, in a short time, to return to GreatBritain, by the way of Boston:--

"_Voted_, That Mr. Speaker, Mr. Cooke, Major Brattle, Mr. Thacher,Mr. Welles, Mr. Cushing, Mr. Hall, Mr. Webb, and Major Bowles, be aCommittee, from this House, to congratulate that honorable gentlemanupon his arrival at Boston; and, in their name and behalf, acquainthim that the Assembly are well knowing of the many good offices hehath done this Province, in that, when the interest, trade, andbusiness thereof have been under the consideration of the BritishParliament, he hath, in a distinguishing manner, consulted measures toperpetuate the peace and lasting happiness of this government. And,as his worthy and generous actions justly deserve a most grateful andpublic acknowledgment, to assure him that this country will retain alasting remembrance of his great benefactions; and that a recognitionof the favors which they have so frequently received from him, isthe least that the House can offer; while they earnestly desire thecontinuance of his good will towards this Province."

His Excellency then made the following speech:

"Gentlemen of the Council and House of Representatives,

"I am glad to see the respect which you have expressed in your vote tothe Honorable Mr. Oglethorpe, a member of that wise and august body,the Parliament of Great Britain; but, as there is no money in thetreasury to defray the charge of the reception and entertainment ofthat honorable gentleman, I have taken early care to invite him to myhouse, when he may come into this Province, and I shall endeavor toentertain him in such a manner as may express the great esteem which Ihave of his attachment to his Majesty and to his Royal House, and ofhis regard to this Province, as well as of his great merit. And this Iwill do at my own charge, till the treasury may be supplied. And forthese reasons I have not made your vote an order of this Court."

The Editor of the publication, entitled "_The Political State ofGreat Britain_," makes the following remarks upon these doings of theLegislature of Massachusetts:[1]

[Footnote 1: Vol. XLVIII. p. 173.]

"This expression of gratitude towards Mr. Oglethorpe shows that thegentlemen who are members of the House of Representatives in thatColony, are men of good sense as well as lovers of their country;and there is certainly no greater incitement to generous and publicspirited actions than that of public acknowledgment and praise."

Circumstances, however, prevented his making a visit, so earnestlyexpected, and which would have been so mutually gratifying.

On Wednesday, January 23, 1734, Oglethorpe set out on an exploratoryexcursion, to view the southern frontiers, in a row-boat commanded byCaptain Ferguson, attended by fourteen companions and two Indians;followed by a yawl loaded with ammunition and provisions. They took"the inland passages." Thus are named the passes between the belt of"sea-islands" and the main land. For the distance of seven miles fromthe ocean along the whole coast, there is a margin of islands andmarshes, intersected by rivers, creeks, and inlets, communicating witheach other, and forming a complete inland navigation for vessels ofone hundred tons.

Having reached the north-west coast of the islands of Ossabaw, St.Catherine, and Sapelo, they passed the entrances of Vernon river, ofthe Ogechee, and of the northern branches of the Alatamaha; and, onthe 26th landed on the first Albany bluff of St. Simons, where theylay dry under the shelter of a large live oak tree, though it rainedhard. The next day they proceeded to the sea point of St. Simons,in order to take an observation of the latitude. They afterwardsdiscovered an island, of which the general asked the name, and,finding that it had none, he called it JEKYL, in honor of Sir JosephJekyl, his respected and particular friend[1]. They reconnoitredvarious other places, and the mouths of rivers; and, on their returnwent up the Ogechee to Fort Argyle, where they lay in a house and uponbeds, "for the first time since they left Thunderbolt[2]."

[Footnote 1: This eminent man, who was the son of a clergyman inNorthamptonshire, Great Britain, became known as an able lawyer, andan eloquent statesman. As the friend of the Whigs, he was one of themanagers of Sacheverell's trial; and, after maintaining his principlesand popularity undiminished, he was made, in the reign of George I.,Master of the Rolls and Privy Counsellor, and was also knighted. Hedied in 1738, aged 75.]

[Footnote 2: This startling appellation was early given to a littlesettlement in the neighborhood of Savannah, in reference to an awfulexplosion there, the effects of which were said to be perceivablein the sulphuric smell and taste of a spring of water. "Adhuc tenetnomen, indelibile!"]

The fortifications there, by the unwearied diligence of CaptainMcPherson, were finished, and very defensible; being well flanked, andhaving several pieces of cannon.[1]

[Footnote 1: _Letter from a Gentleman of Savannah to his friend atCharlestown, S.C._, inserted in _The New England Weekly Journal_, May13, 1734.]

By this excursion he ascertained how expedient it was to have anoutpost, with a well-manned fort on the island of St. Simons; and howdesirable to form a settlement and military station near the mouth ofthe Alatamaha, for the protection and defence of the colony.[1]

[Footnote 1: "At the west side of the island is a high bluff, comparedwith the marshes in its front; and here Frederica was afterwardsbuilt. The shore is washed by a fine river, which communicates withthe Alatamaha, and enters the ocean through Jekyl sound, at the southend of the island. It forms a bay which is navigable for vessels oflarge burden." McCALL, I. 170.]

A strong sense of indignation had been expressed in England at thepersecution of the Protestants at Saltzburg, in Bavaria, who had beenbanished by an Episcopal edict from their homes on account of theirreligion, and, in the midst of winter, driven from the region to seeka place of refuge[1]. Oglethorpe had shared largely in the generalsympathy; and, in a speech in the House of Commons, had declared hisregret that no provision had been made for their relief in the latetreaty. He proposed to the Trustees for settling the colony ofGeorgia, that an asylum should be there opened for these exiles. Theproposition met with ready concurrence. A letter was addressed totheir Elder, the venerable Samuel Urlsperger, to inquire whether abody of them would be disposed to join the new settlers, if measureswere taken for their transportation. A favorable answer was received.An English vessel was sent to convey them from Rotterdam to Dover; andthence they embarked on the 8th of January, 1734, on board the shipPurrysburgh, Captain Frey, under the more immediate care and conductof the Baron Philip George Frederick Von Reck, together with theirReverend Pastors, John Martin Bolzius and Israel Christian Gronau.After many difficulties and dangers, they arrived at Charlestown,South Carolina, on the 7th of March[2]. Oglethorpe, who happened tobe there, as they piously considered, "providentially," bid them acheering welcome. He had their ship supplied with provisions; and sentthe sea-sick pilgrims, what is so grateful and refreshing after avoyage, many baskets of cabbages, turnips, radishes, lettuce, andother vegetables, "of which the gardens were full." He introduced theBaron and the ministers to the Governor, who received them with muchcivility, and with whom they dined.

The General sent one of his men to their ship, as a pilot, as also toannounce their arrival, and bespeak the attention of the magistratesat Savannah; and, on the 9th they set sail for the desired regionof peace. They entered the river on the 10th, which was_reminiscere-Sunday_; and "they called to remembrance the former days,in which, after they were illuminated," (and because they were so,)"they endured a great fight of afflictions, partly while they weremade a gazing-stock in their dispersions, and partly while they becamecompanions of them that were so. But they took unresistingly thespoiling of their goods, trusting to those who had compassion on theirsufferings."[1] "And they remembered the kindnesses of Oglethorpe."

[Footnote 1: Hebrews, x. 32-34.]

In the journal of their pastor,[1] it is stated, "While we lay off thebanks of our dear Georgia, in a very lovely calm, and heard the birdssinging sweetly, all was cheerful on board. It was really edifying tous that we came to the borders of 'the promised land,' _this_ day,when, as we are taught in its lesson from the Gospel, that Jesus cameto the borders by the sea-coast, after he had endured persecution andrejection by his countrymen."

[Footnote 1: URLSPURGER, I. p. 80.]

On the 11th the ship got upon the sand; but was floated off by thetide on the 12th, and as they passed up the river, they were delightedwith the pleasant prospect on both sides. The balmy odors of the pinetrees, wafted by the land-breeze, seemed like incense mingling withtheir orisons, and the carols of the birds were in accordance withtheir matin-hymn of praise. This second reference to the minstrelsyof the grove, will not be wondered at by those who have visited thatregion in the spring of the year. The various notes of the featheredchoristers are enchanting, even now, when the din of population hasfrightened them into coverts. But then, free and fearless, the strainswere lively and joyful, and the chorus full.

As the vessel was moored near the landing-place, the inhabitantsflocked down to the bank, and raised a cheering shout, which wasresponded with much gladness by the passengers on deck. Some of themwere soon taken off in a boat, and led round to the town, part throughthe wood, and part through the newly laid out garden of the Trustees.Meanwhile "a right good feast" was prepared for them, and they wereregaled with "very fine wholesome English beer." And, as otherwisemuch love and friendliness were shewn them by the inhabitants, and asthe beautiful situation round about pleased them, they were in finespirits, and their joy was consecrated by praise to God.

The pastors Gronau and Bolzius, with the commissary Von Reck, and Dr.Zweitzer were lodged in the house of the Reverend Mr. Quincy[1], whomthey had met at Charlestown, on his return from a visit which hehad been paying to his parents in Boston, Massachusetts, when heobligingly offered them the accommodation. For the emigrantsbarracks and tents were provided till the return of the General fromCharlestown, whither he had gone to take passage for England, "but outof good will to the Saltzburgers, he put off his voyage for somedays, and was resolved to see them settled before he went[2]." He hadpromised them that they should have liberty to choose such part of thecountry as they thought most convenient, fertile and pleasant; andthat he would go out with some of their elders, and select a place totheir liking. They desired one at a distance from the sea, on gentlyrising ground, with intervening vales, near springs of water, and onthe border of a small river, or clear brook; such being the natureof the region where they were born. To fulfil this engagement,immediately after his return, attended with Paul Jenys, Esq., Speakerof the House of Assembly of South Carolina, and some other gentlemen,he set out on the 15th of March, with Baron Von Reck, the commissary,Mr. Gronau, one of the ministers, Mr. Zweitzer their Doctor, and oneof the elders, taking some Indians as guides, to explore the part ofthe country which answered to the description of the Saltzburgers.They went up the river in boats as far as Mr. Musgrove's cow-pens,where horses were got ready; and, after a ride of about fifteen miles,westward, through the woods, they arrived at the banks of a river,eighty feet wide, and twelve deep, with high banks. The adjacentcountry was hilly, with valleys of cane-land, intersected with littlebrooks, and bordered with springs of water. The Saltzburgers wereextremely pleased with the place, and adopted it They then kneeleddown by the river side, and devoutly thanked God for bringing them outof their persecutions, safe through so many dangers, into a land ofrest; in memorial of which, they desired that the place might becalled EBENEZER--"Hitherto the Lord hath helped us!" With the Biblein their hands, they then marched up to a site which was judged mostproper to build upon; sung an hymn, and the pastor pronounced abenediction.

[Footnote 1: The Rev. Samuel Quincy, a native of Boston,Massachusetts, having been educated in England, and received priest'sorders on the 28th of October, 1730, by Dr. Waugh, Bishop of Carlisle,was, in 1734 sent, by _the Society for Propagating the Gospel inForeign Parts_, as a missionary to Georgia.]

Having thus assigned to the exiles, "a local habitation and a name,"they all went to Abercorn, a village lately built, about the distanceof six miles. Thence the commissary and his companions returned toSavannah, and Oglethorpe, with the speaker, went to Purrysburgh on the18th in order to row up the river to the Palachocolas Indians, but thefloods from the Cherokee mountains had so swelled the freshes, as tomake that passage too tedious. They, therefore, went back to Abercorn,and thence to the designed settlement of the Saltzburgers, whereOglethorpe, parting with his honorable friend, crossed the river withthe Indians, and renewed his excursion to Palachocolas. There he founda fort erected at the lowest passage of the river, and forty-fivemiles from Savannah. Returning from this visit, as he entered Ebenezerhe found eight of the most able-bodied men at work, with theirminister Gronau, in constructing booths and tents against the arrivalof the families. In furtherance of their labors, he laid out the town,and directed the carpenters, who had arrived also in obedience to hisorders, to assist in building six houses.

These attentions to the accommodation of the poor Protestants weregratefully acknowledged, and are recorded in the journal of theReverend Mr. Bolzius, with a respectful tribute to the religiouscharacter of Oglethorpe, of which the following is a translation;[1]"So far as we can conclude from a short acquaintance with him, he isa man who has a great reverence for God, and his holy word andordinances; a cordial love for the servants and children of God; andwho wishes to see the name of Christ glorified in all places. So blesthave been his undertakings and his presence in this land, that morehas been accomplished by him in one year than others would haveeffected in many. And since the people here have had such good causeto appreciate his right fatherly disposition, his indefatigable toilfor their welfare, and his illustrious qualities, they feel that hisdeparture would be a real loss to them. For us he hath cared with amost provident solicitude. We unite in prayers for him, that God wouldguide him to his home, make his voyage safe and prosperous, and enrichhim with many blessings!"

[Footnote 1: URLSPURGER, I. p. 91.]

[Illustration]

In journeys often and labors more abundant, he returned to Savannah;and set out from thence on the 23d of March, with the Speaker, toCharlestown, where he arrived on the 27th with a retinue of Indianchiefs, whom he had persuaded to accompany him to England. He hadrightly judged that it would be an advantage to the colony to let someof the natives have a sight of England, as it would give them a highidea of that kingdom. He had gained the consent of Tomo Chichi andScenawki his wife and Toonahowi his nephew; of Hillispilli, the warchief; Apakowtski, Stimalchi, Sintouchi, and Hinguithi, five chiefsof the Creek nation; and of Umphichi, a chief from Palachocolas; withtheir interpreter.

They embarked in the Aldborough man of war on Tuesday, the 7th of May,1734.

CHAPTER VI.

Oglethorpe arrives in England with his Indian Escort--Is welcomedby the Trustees--Apartments are provided for the Indians--They areintroduced to the King and Royal Family--One of their number diesof the small pox--Visit the Archbishop of Canterbury, and EtonCollege--Shown the public buildings and institutions in London--Embarkfor Georgia--Their arrival.

The Aldborough arrived at St. Helen's, in the Isle of Wight, on the16th of June, 1734, bringing the founder of the new Colony, with themost gratifying accounts of his labors and success. He had "laid thefoundation of many generations." He had made "the desolate wildernessa pleasant portion;" and, for its wildlings, had substituted offsetswhich should become "plants of renown." And he had brought with himsome chiefs of the Indian tribes, to testify their accordance withthe new settlement, and to repeat the expression of their desire toreceive instruction in the language and religion of the settlers.

When a Roman General returned a conqueror, he entered the ImperialCity with a triumphal procession, in martial pomp and pageantry,dragging at his car the kings and captains he had vanquished. But herewas a return from a successful campaign, not bringing captives takenin battle, but an escort of unconquered chieftains, themselves sharersin the ovation of benevolence and the triumph of philanthropy.

Oglethorpe immediately addressed a letter to Sir John Phillips,Baronet, notifying him of his return, and giving him the pleasingintelligence of the safe arrival of the Baron Von Reck, and theSaltzburgers, whom he called "a very sensible, active, laborious,and pious people." He mentioned their location as selected to theirliking; and said that he left them busily employed in completing itssettlement. He added, "An Indian chief, named Tomo Chichi, the Mico,or king of Yamacraw, a man of an excellent understanding, is sodesirous of having the young people taught the English language andreligion, that, notwithstanding his advanced age, he has come overhither with me to obtain means, and assistant teachers. He has broughtwith him a young man whom he calls his nephew and next heir; andwho has already learned the Lord's prayer in the English and Indianlanguage."

"I shall leave the Indians at my estate, till I go to the city, whereI shall have the happiness to wait upon you, and to relate all thingsto you more fully; over which you will rejoice and wonder[1]."

[Footnote 1: Not having met with an English copy of the letter, I havegiven a version from the German in "_Ausfuerliche Nachrichten von derSalzburgischen en America, von_ SAMUEL URLSPURGHER". Halle, 1745. 4to.]

Having repaired to his house in old Palace-Yard, Westminster,he notified the Trustees of his arrival. Some of the gentlemenimmediately called on him, and escorted him to the Georgia office,where he received their congratulations, with "expressions of theirgreat satisfaction in the eminent services which he had performed inbehalf of their new settlement."[1]

[Footnote 1: _Gentleman's Magazine_, June, 1734, p. 327.]

On the evening of the 21st they gave a grand entertainment in honor ofso distinguished an associate; and heard from him, with admiration,the narrative of his achievements.[1]

[Footnote 1: _London Magazine_, June, 1734.]

On a special meeting they "voted their unanimous thanks to him for theability, zeal, activity, and perseverance with which he had conductedthe affairs of the settlement, and assured him that they should everhold his services in grateful remembrance."

A publication of the day thus announces his arrival;[1] "On the 16thof last month, James Oglethorpe, Esq., member of Parliament forHaslemere, in Surrey, and of the Trustees for establishing the Colonyof Georgia, arrived in the Aldborough man of war, at St. Helen's, onhis return from that colony; he having had so much generosity andpublic spirit as to go along with the first number of persons thatwere sent out for its establishment, where he has been ever since;being resolved to be a sharer with them in all the fatigues anddangers that might happen, either from the inclemency of a newclimate, or from any of the accidents that usually attend thesettlement of a new colony; and not to leave them till he saw them ina condition, not only to provide their own subsistence, but to defendthemselves against any enemy that might probably attack them; allwhich fatigues and dangers he exposed himself to, and has undergone athis own charge, and without the least view of any private advantage orsatisfaction, but that which every good man must feel in contributingto the relief of the distressed, and the public good of his country.This is such an action as the Roman historians, in the times of theirgreatest virtue, would have been proud of recording; and such an oneas ought not to escape the notice of any man who pretends to give anaccount of the transactions of this kingdom."

[Footnote 1: Political State of Great Britain, Vol. XVIII. p. 19.]

His return was congratulated in some very complimentary verses; as wasalso the arrival of Tomo Chichi[1]; and the head of Oglethorpe wasproposed by Mr. Urban for a prize medal[2], to commemorate hisbenevolence and patriotism.

[Footnote 1: _Gentleman's Magazine_, Vol. IV. p. 505.]

[Footnote 2: _Gentleman's Magazine_, Vol. V. 178. "The die was brokenafter a few were struck off." See Editorial note in _Gentleman'sMagazine_ for July, 1785, p. 517. I have procured an engraving, of thesize of the original.]

Comfortable apartments were provided for the Indians in the Georgiaoffice; and, when they were suitably dressed, and had curiouslypainted their faces, according to their custom, Sir Clement Cotterellwas sent, on the 1st of August, to the Georgia office, whence he tookthem all, except one who was sick with the small pox, and had themconveyed, in three of the King's coaches, drawn by six horses, tothe palace at Kensington. They were received at the door by the bodyguards, and then, by the Duke of Grafton, Lord Chamberlain, presentedto his Majesty, whom Tomo Chichi addressed in the followingcharacteristic terms.

"Great king; this day I see the majesty of your person, the greatnessof your house, and the number of your people. I am come in my olddays; so I cannot expect to obtain any advantage to myself; but Icome for the good of the Creeks, that they may be informed about theEnglish, and be instructed in your language and religion. I present toyou, in their name, the feathers of an eagle, which is the swiftest ofbirds, and flieth around our nations. These feathers are emblems ofpeace in our land, and have been carried from town to town, to witnessit. We have brought them to you, to be a token and pledge of peace, onour part, to be kept on yours.

"O great king! whatsoever you shall say to me, I will faithfully tellto all the chiefs of the Creek nation."

To this the king replied,--"I am glad of this opportunity of assuringyou of my regard for the people from whom you came; and I am extremelywell pleased with the assurance which you have brought me from them. Iaccept, very gratefully, this present, as an indication of their gooddispositions towards me and my people; and shall always be ready toshow them marks of favor, and purposes to promote their welfare."

They were then introduced to her Majesty, who was seated on a thronein the great gallery, attended by ladies of the court and nobility.The aged Mico thus addressed her: "I am glad to see you this day, andto have the opportunity of beholding the mother of this great nation.As our people are now joined with yours, we hope that you will be acommon mother, and a protectress of us and our children." To this herMajesty returned a courteous answer.

After this they were introduced to his Royal Highness the Prince ofWales, the Duke of Cumberland, the Princess of Orange, the PrincessesAmelia, Caroline, Mary, and Louisa; and then were conducted back totheir lodgings.

On the 3d of August they were greatly afflicted by the decease of oneof their companions by the small pox, notwithstanding the best medicalattendance; but it occasioned no bad consequences, as his associateswere with him, and saw that much better care was taken of him thancould have been at home. He was interred, after the manner of theircountry, in St. John's burial ground, Westminster. The corpse, sewedup in two blankets, with a deal-board under and another over, andtied down with a cord, was carried to the grave on a bier. Therewere present only Tomo Chichi, three of the chiefs, the upperchurch-warden, and the grave-digger. When the body was laid in theearth, the clothes of the deceased were thrown in; after this, aquantity of glass beads and some pieces of silver; the custom of theseIndians being to bury such effects of the deceased with him.

As all methods made to console them were disregarded, Oglethorpe tookthem out to his estate, that in the country retirement they might havea better opportunity to bewail the dead according to their custom, andthat the change of the place might serve to abate their sorrow.

On the 17th of August, the aged and venerable Archbishop ofCanterbury[1] had them taken in his boat to Putney, where they werereceived and entertained in a very agreeable manner. On taking leave,Tomo Chichi intimated his inability, from want of a knowledge of theEnglish language, to express suitably the acknowledgments of himselfand his companions of the kind notice taken of them.

[Footnote 1: Rev. William Wake, D.D.]

The following day they visited his Grace at Lambeth, and endeavored tomake known to him how deeply affected they were with the ignorance inreligion in which they and their people were involved; and how muchthey not only needed, but desired instruction. In their conferencewith Dr. Lynch, the son-in-law of the Archbishop, the Mico was moreexplicit, and requested that some person might be sent to teach them;more particularly their youth.

On the next day they went to Eton College, and were received by theRev. Dr. George, Dr. Berriman, and the rest of the Fellows present. Onclosing their visit to the school-room, Tomo Chichi begged that thelads might have a holiday when the Doctor thought proper; which causeda general huzza. They were then shewn the several apartments of thecollege, and took a respectful leave. Afterwards they went to Windsor,where they were graciously received; and thence to St. George'sChapel, where the prebends present named Dr. Maynard to compliment theMico from the Dean and Chapter. The following day they went to HamptonCourt; saw the royal apartments; and walked in the gardens, where agreat concourse of people had assembled to see them. After these moredistinguishing attentions, they were shewn the Tower, the publicbuildings, Greenwich Hospital, and all the great and interestingspectacles in London; and nothing was neglected that might serve toawaken and gratify their curiosity, and to impress them with thegrandeur and power of the British nation.

After having staid four months, they were taken to Gravesend in oneof his Majesty's carriages, whence they embarked aboard the transportship, the Prince of Wales, George Dunbar, Captain, on the returnvoyage to Savannah, where they arrived on the 27th of December, 1734.

Captain Dunbar, in a letter to the Trustees, announcing his remarkablyquick and prosperous passage across the Atlantic, wrote thus: "Wearrived here all cheerful and in good health. The Indians behaved withtheir accustomed modesty; as did also, the Saltzburgers, who are asober and pious people, and gave much less trouble than I expected;nor do I think any of them were dissatisfied while on board." Inconclusion, he added, "Tomo Chichi, Toonahowi, Hillispilli, andUmpichi were so kind as to come on board on the morning of ourintended departure to see me. They have a very grateful remembrance ofthe many civilities which they received in England, and desire me toinform your honors that Santechi has gone to the Upper and MiddleCreeks, who are at present extremely well disposed to the Britishinterest, and their deputies are expected down in two months."[1]

[Footnote 1: _London Magazine_ for March, 1735, p. 162. See also thewhole letter, in the _Political State of Great Britain_, April, 1735,p. 374.]

CHAPTER VII.

Oglethorpe remains in England--Trustees make Regulations--Oglethorpe,desirous of providing for the conversion of the Indians, appliesto Bishop Wilson to prepare a Book of Religious Instruction forthem--Trustees seek for Missionaries--Engage John and Charles Wesley.

Oglethorpe remained in England to attend to his duties as a memberof Parliament, and to suggest to the Trustees measures for thefurtherance of the settlement of Georgia.

In consequence of the information which he could give from hispersonal observation, and that which he had received from others,respecting the state of the colony, and what would be expedient forits advancement in good order and prosperity, the Trustees prepareda regulation, which was enacted by the government into a law, "formaintaining peace with the Indians." This included the provisions andimmunities of the act of the General Assembly of South Carolina in1731; and, of course, was accordant with the relations and mutualinterests of both Provinces. There was, also, passed a law for a likesalutary purpose for preventing trouble with the Indians, as well aspreserving the health and morals of the people already settled or thatmight be settled in their new colony, from the pernicious effects ofspirituous liquors, entitled "An act to prevent the importation anduse of rum and brandies into the Province of Georgia, or any kind ofardent spirits or strong waters whatsoever." A writer of the day makesthis remark, "At the same time the Trustees endeavored to supply thestores with strong beer from England, molasses for brewing beer, andwith Madeira wines; which the people might purchase at reasonablerates, which would be _more refreshing and wholesome for them_."[1]

[Footnote 1: _Account, showing the Progress of the Colony of Georgiain America, from its first establishment: published by Order of theTrustees_. Lond. 1741; page 16, under the year 1734.]

An unchecked indulgence in ardent spirits has ever been followed bylamentable effects. It demoralizes the conduct, destroys health,prevents usefulness, and ruins reputation. It breaks up domesticpeace, wastes property, leads to impoverished circumstances, andentails wretchedness upon the members of the family of which the headwas the victim. The prohibition, therefore, if it led to the disuseof the dangerous potation, would have been the present removal, andprevented the subsequent extension, of one of the greatest evils whichhas corrupted the social condition.

To these prudent and salutary regulations followed a statute entitled"An act for rendering the Province of Georgia more defencible, byprohibiting the importation of black slaves, or negroes, into thesame." For this enactment, besides the consideration stated in thetitle, the following reasons are assigned: 1. On account of the costof purchase, which, the settlers themselves being too poor to defray,must be met by the Trustees; on whom it would be a tax greater thanthey had funds to pay, or believed that they could obtain. 2. Becauseof the additional expense of their after maintenance, which must beprovided, in addition to that already incurred for the support ofthose by whom they were to be employed. And 3. because the Trusteeswere desirous that the settlers should acquire the habits of labor andindustry, of economy and thrift, by personal application.[1]

[Footnote 1: See their reasons at large in the publication entitled_Impartial Inquiry into the State and Utility of the Province ofGeorgia_, Lond. 1741; or in _Collections of the Georgia HistoricalSociety_, Vol. I. pages 166-173, and McCALL'S _History_, Vol. I. p.25, &c.]

It is remarked by Mr. Burke, that "These regulations, though wellintended, and indeed meant to bring about very excellent purposes,yet might at first, as it did afterwards, appear, that they were madewithout sufficiently consulting the nature of the country, or thedisposition of the people which they regarded."[1]

[Footnote 1: _European Settlements in America_, Vol. II. p. 266.]

Governor Belcher, of Massachusetts, in a letter to Lord Egmont,observes, "I have read Mr. Oglethorpe's state of the new colonyof Georgia once and again; and by its harbors, rivers, soil andproductions, do not doubt that it must in time make a fine additionto the British Empire in America; and I still insist upon it that theprohibitory regulations of the Trustees are essential to its healthyand prosperous condition; and the alteration of the Constitutionto the advantage of females must give great encouragement to firstundertakers or settlers, as your Lordship observes."[1]

The visit of the Indians was made subservient to the favorite purposeof Oglethorpe, by rousing attention to the improvement of the race inknowledge and religion. At their earliest interviews with him, theyhad expressed a wish that their children might be taught to speakand read the English language, and they themselves instructed inthe principles of Christianity. From their intercourse with theCarolinians for many years, they had been made sensible of thesuperiority which such attainments conferred, even where thatintercourse had been, as it mostly was, with the traders; butno missionary had been sent, as in our times, to form them tocivilization, and "teach them which be the first principles of theoracles of God." Oglethorpe felt extremely desirous of obtaining forthem these advantages; and expressed to the trustees his belief thatthey would readily avail themselves of an opportunity for theirattainment. In furtherance of this most important object, he appliedto the Reverend Dr. Wilson, Bishop of Sodor and Man, to prepare amanual of instruction for them. The good Bishop complied with hisrequest with great readiness; and the work was printed at the expenseof "the Society for propagating the Gospel in foreign Parts." Thevolume was dedicated to the Trustees; and, in the preface, theauthor states that it "was undertaken in consequence of a short butentertaining conversation, which he, and some others, had with thehonorable and worthy General Oglethorpe, concerning the condition,temper, and genius of the Indians in the neighborhood of Georgia, andthose parts of America; who, as he assured us, are a tractable people,and more capable of being civilized and of receiving the truths ofreligion than we are generally made to believe, if some hindranceswere removed, and proper measures taken to awaken in them a senseof their true interest, and of their unhappy condition, while theycontinue in their present state."

"And, indeed, that most worthy gentleman's great and generous concernfor both the present and future interest of these nations, and hisearnest desire and endeavors, so well known, to civilize them first,and make them more capable of instruction in the ways of religion andcivil government, and his hearty wishes that something might be doneto forward such good purposes, prevailed with the author, howeverindifferently qualified for such a work, to set about the followingessay for propagating the Gospel amongst the Indians and negroes."[1]

[Footnote 1: The title of the book is, "_The Knowledge and Practice ofChristianity made easy to the meanest capacity; or, an Essay towardsan Instruction for the Indians_." London, 1740. 12mo. A tenth editionwas printed in 1764; and a translation in French, at Geneva, in 1744.]

On receiving a copy of this work, when it was printed, five yearsafterwards, from the Reverend Dr. Thomas Wilson, son of the Bishop,Oglethorpe addressed to him the following letter:[1]

[Footnote 1: Not finding an English copy I have translated this fromthe French version.]

Frederica, in Georgia, April 24, 1741.

SIR,

I have received, with not less pleasure than profit, the book sent tome by you, which was composed by your father. This work breathes sostrongly the spirit of primitive piety; its style is so clear andsimple; its plan is so easy for minds even the most limited, andat the same time so well adapted to make them understand the mostprofound mysteries, that it is a true representation of the religionin which it instructs its reader. Had our Methodists, instead of theirlofty imaginations, been taught enough of the language of the Indiansto be able to translate this book; or had _they_ been sufficientlyinstructed to permit them to read it with advantage, I doubt not thatwe should immediately see surprising results from it; but God willaccomplish his good work by the means which he will judge proper toemploy. I have written to Mr. Varelst to buy, to the amount of fivepounds sterling, copies of your father's work, and to send them to me.

"Have the kindness to commend me to the prayers of a Divine so worthyand pious; and be assured that I am,

"Your affectionate friend, and very humble and obedient servant,

"JAMES OGLETHORPE."

The Trustees were now desirous of obtaining proper persons to goto Georgia to teach, and endeavor to convert, the Indians; and toofficiate as chaplains to the colonists at Savannah, and at the newtown about to be built on the island of St. Simons. They fixed theireyes upon Mr. John Wesley and some of his associates, as very properfor such a mission. The amiable and excellent Dr. John Burton,[1] oneof the Board, who was well acquainted with Wesley, having learned thathe was in London, went thither himself, in order to accompany him toOglethorpe, with whom, indeed, he was already acquainted by familyattentions as well as public fame. The matter was proposed to Wesley,and strongly urged by such arguments as they thought most likelyto dispose his mind to accept the proposal.[2] Several influentialfriends concurred in advising him to go; and, as even his motherencouraged it, he yielded his compliance. His brother Charlesagreed to accompany him, as did Benjamin Ingham, a member of theirassociation at Oxford, and Charles Delamotte, son of a merchant inLondon.

[Footnote 1: When the settling of Georgia was in agitation, in1732, Dr. Burton was solicited by the excellent Dr. Bray, and otherEpiscopal Clergymen,[A] to give his assistance in promoting thatundertaking. Accordingly he preached a Sermon in its recommendationbefore the Society for conducting it; and his Discourse was afterwardspublished, with an Appendix concerning the State of the Colony.BENTHAM, _de vita et moribus Johannis Burtoni_. 8vo. London, 1771,page 12.]

[Footnote A: Rev. Dr. HALES, Dr. BERRIMAN, and others.]

[Footnote 2: _Life of the Rev_. JOHN WESLEY _and of the Rev_. CHARLESWESLEY, his brother, by the Rev. HENRY MOORE. 8vo. Lond. 1824. 2 vol.Vol. I. p. 334. This interview was on the 28th of April, 1735.]

In consequence of this engagement of the Wesleys, the General deemedit highly proper to visit their venerable and excellent parents atEpworth, not only to confirm their consent, but to communicate to themsuch information as should interest them strongly in every measurewhich aimed at the instruction, civilization, and christianizing ofthe natives of Georgia, from whom he and the new settlers had met sokind a reception. A reference to this, gives me the opportunity ofintroducing a letter from that aged minister, the Reverend SamuelWesley, written rather more than a year before, in which he mentionsthe progress which he had made in a work that he was about to publish,and acknowledges the obligations which he was under to the General forkindnesses shown to himself and sons.[1]

[Footnote 1: This letter is not in the "_Memoirs of the WesleyFamily_," published by Dr. Adam Clarke in 1822; having been recentlydiscovered.]

Epworth, July 6, 1734.

Honored sir,

May I be admitted, while such crowds of our nobility and gentry arepouring in their congratulations, to press with my poor mite of thanksinto the presence of one who so well deserves the title of UNIVERSALBENEFACTOR OF MANKIND. It is not only your valuable favors on manyaccounts to my son, late of Westminster, and myself, when I was not alittle pressed in the world, nor your more extensive charity to thepoor prisoners; it is not these only that so much demand my warmestacknowledgments, as your disinterested and immovable attachment toyour country, and your raising a new Colony, or rather a little worldof your own in the midst of wild woods and uncultivated deserts, wheremen may live free and happy, if they are not hindered by their ownstupidity and folly, in spite of the unkindness of their brothermortals.

I owe you, sir, besides this, some account of my little affairs sincethe beginning of your expedition. Notwithstanding my own and my son'sviolent illness, which held me half a year, and him above twelvemonths, I have made a shift to get more than three parts in four of my_Dissertations on Job_ printed off, and both the paper, printing, andmaps, hitherto, paid for. My son John at Oxford, now that his elderbrother has gone to Tiverton, takes care of the remainder of theimpression at London, and I have an ingenious artist here with me inmy house at Epworth who is graving and working off the remaining mapsand figures for me; so that I hope, if the printer does not hinder me,I shall have the whole ready by next spring, and, by God's leave, Ishall be in London myself to deliver the books perfect. I print fivehundred copies, as in my proposals; whereof I have about three hundredalready subscribed for; and, among my subscribers, fifteen or sixteenEnglish Bishops, with some of Ireland.

"If you will please herewith to accept the tender of my most sincererespect and gratitude, you will thereby confer one further obligation,honored sir, on

"Your most obedient and humble servant,

"SAMUEL WESLEY."

"To James Oglethorpe, Esq."

It appears, from a list of subscriptions annexed to Mr. Wesley's_Dissertations on the Book of Job_, that General Oglethorpe took_seven_ copies of the work on large paper, which would amount to atleast twenty pounds.

The elder son of the Rector, also, paid a tribute of respect tothe General; and this in harmonious and polished verses; in which,however, he indulged, too freely, the poetic license in highly wroughtdescription of the settlement of Georgia, and of the climate andproductions of the region.[1]

[Footnote 1: GEORGIA, _a Poem_; TOMO CHICHI, _an Ode; and a copy ofVerses on_ Mr. Oglethorpe's _Second Voyage to Georgia_. These werebeautifully printed, in a large type, on nineteen folio pages. Theywere ascribed to SAMUEL WESLEY, as their author, in the tract entitled"_True and Historical Narrative of the Colony of Georgia," by P.Telfair and others_. Charlestown, S.C. 1741, page xi. of the Preface.]

As our narrative is brought near to the period when the General isabout to return thither, it may be pertinent to introduce a shortextract, in which the poet addresses the new settlers, eagerlyexpecting his arrival.

"See once again, see on your shores descend Your generous leader, your unwearied friend! No storm or chance his vessel thither drives, No! to secure and bless you, he arrives. To Heaven the praise,--and thanks to him repay, And let remotest times respect the day. He comes, whose life, while absent from your view, Was one continued ministry for you; For you he laid out all his pains and art, Won every will, and softened every heart. With what paternal joy shall he relate How views the mother Isle your little State; How aids the Senate, how the nation loves, How GEORGE protects, and CAROLINE approves!-- A thousand pleasures crowd into his breast, But one, one mighty thought absorbs the rest, 'And give me, Heaven, to see, (the Patriot cries), Another Britain in the desert rise!'"

CHAPTER VIII.

Trustees make a new selection of Settlers--Their Proposals successfulin Scotland--Embarkation of Highlanders for Georgia--Indianhieroglyphic letter sent to the Trustees--Further emigration ofSaltzburgers--Great embarkation of Colonists, attended by Oglethorpeand the Missionaries--Employment and religious exercises on boardduring the voyage--Arrival--Beacon on the Island of Tybee--The peoplego on shore at Peeper's Island--Oglethorpe goes to Savannah withthe Missionaries--Sends provisions and refreshments to theEmigrants--Moore's account of the Public Garden--Tomo Chichi welcomeshis friend--Saltzburgers make application for a removal fromEbenezer--Oglethorpe sends pioneers to lay out a road to Darien.

"Some of the first settlers had proved as idle and useless members ofsociety in America, as they had been in Great Britain;" and, as theirexternal wants had been supplied from the common store, they felt nostimulus to industry or frugality.

The Trustees, finding that the conduct of these drones and loungerstended rather to impede than promote their benevolent intentions,began to look round for a better stock of settlers; a hardy race,with good habits; such as were accustomed to laborious occupation andagricultural pursuits.

That all persons who should be disposed to go to Georgia, might befully apprized of the several conditions which they were to perform,and of what was expected, and, indeed, would be required of them, inreturn for the assistance and support that would be afforded them, astatement was made, and rules and regulations were drawn up, printedand circulated; in which the Trustees indicated the qualifications ofsuch as offered themselves, with the expectation of being engaged.[1]They examined, at their office, such persons as applied for thebenefit of the charity; and, out of these selected those who had thebest characters, and were the truest and most deserving objectsof compassion.[2] They very explicitly and frankly acquainted theapplicants with the inconveniences to which they would be subjected,and the hardships which they must expect to endure. They told themthat on their arrival they would be under the necessity of living inslight hovels, till they could form materials for the constructionof houses; that they must use great provident foresight to acquirecomfortable subsistence, for their wants were to be supplied only tilltheir industry brought in returns. They remarked to them that they,indeed, gave them lands, and furnished them rations for a year, butthese lands were to be cleared up and tilled, in order to yield crops;that they must eat salt meat, and drink only beer or water. Theyreminded them, with solemn caution, that the sicknesses, to which achange of climate would expose them, were most dangerous to those whodrank distilled liquors; so that temperance, which was every wherecommendable and salutary, would be absolutely necessary to preservehealth. Finally, they were plainly told that if they were distrustful,or reluctant at putting forth their strenuous exertions, they must notengage in the undertaking.

[Footnote 1: _Account, shewing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia_.Lond. 1741. Appendix to the Volume, No. 3 and 4.]

[Footnote 2: MOORE'S _Voyage_, page 10.]

Several were disheartened; but their place was soon filled up byothers, who thought these difficulties not very great; and that,whatever they might be, they could encounter them; and that theycould submit to temporary inconveniences, and persevere in efforts,stimulated by the proffered encouragement and aid.

In Scotland the proposals of the Trustees met with such success that,at Inverness and its vicinity, one hundred and thirty Highlanders wereenrolled for emigration. These, with fifty women and children, weretransported to Georgia, where they arrived in the month of January,1735; and with them came several private grantees, with theirservants. The Scots were destined to settle on the frontiers, for theprotection and defence of the province. After tarrying a few days atSavannah, they conveyed themselves in periaguas, to the southward;and, ascending the Alatamaha river about sixteen miles from St.Simons, pitched upon a place for a residence, where they soon raised alittle fort, in which they mounted four pieces of cannon. They, also,built a guard-house, a store, and a chapel, for they brought a pastorwith them; and soon put up several huts for temporary accommodation,till they could prepare and erect commodious dwellings. The location,at their desire, was called "Darien;" which name the District stillbears, and the town they called "New Inverness," a name no longerretained.[1]

[Footnote 1: In the early publications this is written with thearticle--"the Darien."]

While Oglethorpe was in England, what was intended for a letterwas sent over to the Trustees. It was composed by a chief of theCherokees, drawn and curiously marked in red and black figures on theskin of a young buffalo, neatly dressed. A translation into Englishhad been made from the Indian interpretation, when first delivered,in the presence of above fifty of their chiefs, and of the principalinhabitants of Savannah. It contained the grateful acknowledgment ofthe Indians of the honors and civilities shown to Tomo Chichi and hiscompanions; their admiration of the grandeur of the British Court andkingdom; and declared their strong attachment to General Oglethorpe.

This hieroglyphic painting was set in a frame, and hung up in theGeorgia office in Westminster.[1]

To provide for the raising of silk-worms and winding the threadfrom the cocoons, was an early purpose of the Trustees. Liberalencouragement was given by the Government and the Board of Trade tothe importation of all that could be produced. Samples had been sentto England which gave promise of success. In the beginning of May,this year, the Trustees and Sir Thomas Lombe, waited on the Queen witha specimen, who was highly gratified with learning that a BritishColony had produced such silk, and desired that the fabric into whichit should be wrought might be shewn her. Accordingly, on the 21st ofOctober, these gentlemen, with Mr. Booth, the weaver, again waited onher Majesty with a piece of the manufactured silk; and she expressedgreat admiration of the beauty and fineness of the silk, andthe richness of the pattern; and, as a further testimony of hersatisfaction both with the produce and the manufacture, she ordered asuit to be made up immediately for her own wear, in which she appearedon her birth-day.[1] To this, a poet of the time, in a description ofthe products of Georgia, thus alludes--

[Footnote 1: _Political State of Europe_, Vol. L. p. 242, and 469.]

"The merchant hence the unwrought silk imports, To which we owe the attire of Queens and Courts."[1]

[Footnote 1: _New Voyage to Georgia_, p. 61.]

A large number of intended emigrants having been enrolled, Oglethorpehad been most busily engaged for several months in making preparationsfor their embarkation. Various tools were to be collected, suits andchanges of raiment prepared, articles of maintenance selected andpacked for the public store at Savannah, and accommodations andprovisions got ready for the voyage. The indefatigable leader of theexpedition gave his personal attendance and directions, and saw thatevery thing was in the train of accomplishment, aided by the servicesand supervision of Mr. Francis Moore, whom the Trustees had appointedkeeper of the stores. Oglethorpe had become acquainted with thisgentleman as Factor to the Royal African Society, and as having hadthe charge of Job Jalla ben Solomon, the African Prince, whom theCompany sent back to Africa.

There were two ships freighted, the Symond, of two hundred and twentytons, Captain Joseph Cornish, master; and the London Merchant, ofabout the same burden, Captain John Thomas, master; and one of hisMajesty's sloops, under the command of Captain James Gascoigne, wasordered to assist the Colony, and carry over the General, who intendedto inspect the settlement; but he chose to go in one of the ships,though crowded with the emigrants, "that he might be able to take careof the people on the passage."

"The whole embarkation amounted to two hundred and twenty people onthe Trust's account, besides Mr. Oglethorpe and the gentlemen withhim, and his servants, whose passage he himself paid."[1]

[Footnote 1: _Voyage to Georgia, begun in the year 1735_; by FRANCISMOORE, 8vo. London, 1744, page 11. The author accompanied GeneralOglethorpe on what is called "the great embarkation," as _keeper ofthe stores_. The first date in the book is "15th of October, 1735,"and the last, "22d of June, 1736." He resided at St. Simons, and was"Recorder at Frederica." By an advertisement, at the end of thisvolume, we learn that he made another voyage to Georgia in 1738,where he continued till 1743, when he returned to England. During hisresidence, he kept a Journal, "in which is _an account of the siegeof St. Augustine, in 1740, and of the Spanish invasion, in_ 1742." Headds, "I think myself obliged to acquaint the public that if I findthe foregoing well received, I shall, without delay, publish my otherJournal, as, also, a continuance of this, containing the treaty withthe Governor of Augustine; and the regulation of several matters,relating to the Indian nations." That the Journal was not published isgreatly to be regretted.]

Among the adventurers in this embarkation, lured by the accounts whichhad been published in England, of the delightful region of Georgia,were Sir Francis Bathurst, his son, three daughters, and servants; asalso several relatives of the planters already settled there.[1]

[Footnote 1: SALMON'S _Modern History_, Vol. III. p. 602.]

I copy from _Boyer's Political State of Great Britain_,[1] thefollowing particulars. "On the 13th of October, 1735, embarked onboard the London Merchant, Captain Thomas, commander, fifty-sixmen, women, and children, Saltzburgers, and some other persecutedprotestants from Germany, with Mr. Von Reck, who conducted from thesame parts a former transport in 1733, and Captain Hermsdorf, goingto settle with their countrymen in Georgia. The charge of theirsubsistence in their long journey from Ratisbon and Augsburg toRotterdam, and from thence to London, and their expense at London tillthey went on board, was defrayed by _the Society for the propagationof the Gospel in foreign Parts_, out of the collections committed tothem for that purpose." Of this Society Oglethorpe was a member. Thecharge of their voyage to Georgia, with their maintenance there forone year, and for the arms, utensils, and other necessary articles andprovisions which they took from hence with them, was defrayed by thehonorable Trustees for establishing the colony.

[Footnote 1: Vol. L. page 468.]

"The next day James Oglethorpe, Esq., set out by land for Gravesend,and the Reverend Mr. John Wesley, Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford,and the Reverend Mr. Charles Wesley, Student of Christ's ChurchCollege, and the Reverend Mr. Ingham, of Queen's, went thither bywater, in order to embark on board the Symond, Captain Cornish,Commander; on board of which ship went likewise a great number ofpoor English families, at the expense of the trustees; and soon afterthese, two ships sailed together in company for Georgia. One of theabove named clergymen is to settle at the new town of Savannah, inthat colony; and the other two intend, (after some stay at Savannah,to learn the Indian language,) to devote themselves to preaching theGospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ to the Indian nations borderingupon that colony; which might certainly be done with great effect, ifmen would but content themselves with inculcating and enforcingthe rational and plain doctrines taught by Christ himself, withoutpretending to explain what have since been called _the mysteries_ ofthe Christian religion, which serve only to divide Christians amongthemselves, and have very much prevented the conversion of heathens inall countries, and in all ages."

As the periodical publication, from which this paragraph is extracted,was the channel through which official information respecting thesettlement and affairs of Georgia was communicated, the suggestionwith which it is closed is to be understood as the opinion of theTrustees. And when we recollect the character of those who composedthe Board, it may be considered as the dictate of sound judgment, andworthy of heedful observance.

The attention of Oglethorpe to the persons and condition of theemigrants, was assiduous, considerate, and kind. "He had laid in alarge quantity of live stock and various refreshments, though hehimself seldom eat any but ship's provisions. Not only the gentlemen,his friends, sat at his table, but he invited, through the wholeof the passage, the missionaries and the captain of the ship, who,together made twelve in number."[1]

[Footnote 1: Moore's _Voyage_, p. II.]

They had prayers twice a day. The missionaries expounded thescriptures, catechized the children, and administered the sacrament onSundays; but, though the crew consisted of Episcopalians, Methodists,German Lutherans, and Moravians, "Oglethorpe showed no discountenanceto any for being of different persuasions of religion."

"When occasion offered, he called together those who designed to befreeholders, and instructed them in what manner to behave themselves,and acquainted them with the nature of the country, and how to settleit advantageously. He constantly visited the sick, and let them havefowls for broth, and any refreshments of his own; and administeredmedicine, personally, where it was proper. Whenever the weather wascalm enough to permit it, he went on board the London Merchant, withwhich company was kept all the way, to see that the like care wastaken of the people there."[1]

[Footnote 1: Moore, p. 12.]

The Journal of Wesley gives many details of the voyage; but, as theyrelate principally to the manner in which he and his brother and twofriends spent their time, I pass them over, but quote the followinganecdote from one of his biographers.[1] "Mr. Wesley hearing anunusual noise in the cabin of General Oglethorpe, stepped in toinquire the cause of it. On which the General thus addressed him: 'Mr.Wesley you must excuse me. I have met with a provocation too much fora man to bear. You know that the only wine I drink is Cyprus wine, asit agrees with me the best of any. I therefore provided myself withseveral dozens of it, and this villain Grimaldi' (his foreign servant,who stood trembling with fear,) 'has drunk up the whole of it. But Iwill be revenged on him. I have ordered him to be tied hand and foot,and carried to the man of war that sails with us. The rascal shouldhave taken care not to have served me so, for I never forgive.'--'ThenI hope, sir,' (said Wesley, looking calmly at him) 'you never sin.'The General was confounded at the reproof; and, putting his hand intohis pocket, took out a bunch of keys, which he threw at Grimaldi,saying, 'There, take my keys, and behave better for the future!'"

[Footnote 1: Rev. HENRY MOORE, Vol. II. p. 258.]

While this was a happy verification of the remark of the wise man,that "a soft answer turneth away wrath," it is a pleasing indicationof the yielding placability of him to whom it was addressed.--"Thediscretion of a man deferreth his anger, and it is his glory to passover a transgression."

The ships, which bore this large accession to the Colony, passed thebar of the Tybee on the afternoon of Thursday, February 5th, 1736, andcame to anchor. This island is at the mouth of the Savannah river; isfive miles long, and three broad; and is the most easterly land in theState. Oglethorpe went immediately on shore, to see what had been donetowards raising the beacon on the island, for the construction ofwhich he had given orders. "It was to be an octagon building ofsquared timber; its dimensions twenty-five feet wide at the bottom,and ten at the top; and its height ninety feet, with a flag-staff onthe top thirty feet high. When completed, it would be of great serviceto all shipping, not only the vessels bound to this port, but also toCarolina; for the land of the coast, for some hundred miles, is soalike, being low and woody, that a distinguishing mark is of greatconsequence."[1]

[Footnote 1: MOORE's _Voyage_, p. 18.]

They had experienced a tempestuous voyage, and had a very roughpassage; but now the weather was fine; the land breezes refreshed themas the ships lay quietly moored; and they hailed with delight the landof promise, the borders of which stretched before them; where, saysWesley, "the groves of pines along the shores made an agreeableprospect, showing, as it were, the verdure and bloom of spring in thedepth of winter." A night of peaceful slumber passed; and, about eighto'clock on Friday morning, they went ashore on a small uninhabitedisland,[1] where Oglethorpe led them to a rising ground, and they allknelt and returned thanks to God for their safe arrival. Leaving thepeople, as there was a fine spring, and a pond of pure water, to washtheir clothes, and refresh themselves, he went himself, attended byhis suite, in a boat to Savannah, where he was received, under thedischarge of all their cannon, by the freeholders in arms, with theconstables and tithing men at their head. He introduced to them theclergymen and gentlemen by whom he was accompanied; and congratulatedthe colonists on the religious advantages which they were about toderive from these pious missionaries: and here they passed the Sunday.Just three years had elapsed since the settlement commenced, and thecelebration of the anniversary on the opening week was rendered moreobservable and gladdening by the return of the founder to share andgrace the festivities of the occasion. But, amidst all the greetingsand inquiries of the throng around him, he was not unmindful of thenew comers. He made it his earliest care, as soon as the articlescould be got ready, to send a boat with provisions and refreshmentsfor the people on board the ships and at the island; and soon aftermade them a visit himself, and carried with him a still further supplyof beef, pork, venison and wild turkeys, together with soft bread,beer, turnips, and garden greens. This was not only peculiarlyrelishing, after the salted sea-fare rations, but gratifying andencouraging, from the evidence it gave that a settlement, begun onlythree years ago, by a people in circumstances like theirs, couldproduce such plenty. And, while these attentions evinced thethoughtful regard of their conductor to their comfort and welfare,they increased their sense of obligation, awakened their gratitude,and strengthened their reliance.

[Footnote 1: Peeper Island.]

As Oglethorpe went round and visited the families in their dwellings,he was gratified with perceiving what improvements had been made inthe town, and its vicinity; that about two hundred houses had beenbuilt, trees set out on the sides of the streets and public squares;and a large garden laid out, and now under cultivation. This hadengaged his early attention, and was a favorite project, as of generalinterest and utility. It was situated at the east of the town, on thesloping bank, and included the alluvial champaign below. It was laidout with regularity and taste; and intended, primarily, to supply thesettlers with legumes, culinary roots, radishes and salads, till theycould prepare homestead-plats for raising them. The principal purpose,however, was for a nursery of white mulberry trees for the raising ofsilk worms; and from which the people could be supplied with youngtrees, that all the families might be more or less engaged in thisreference to the filature. There was, also, a nursery coming on,of apple, pear, peach, and plum trees, for transplantation. On theborders of the walks were orange, olive, and fig-trees, pomegranates,and vines. In the more sunny part there was a collection of tropicalplants, by way of experiment, such as coffee, cacoa, cotton, &c.together with some medicinal plants, procured by Dr. William Houstonin the West Indies, whither he had been sent by Sir Hans Sloane tocollect them for Georgia. The expenses of this mission had beenprovided by a subscription headed by Sir Hans, to which his Gracethe Duke of Richmond, the Earl of Derby, the Lord Peters, and theApothecaries Company, liberally contributed. The Doctor having diedat Jamaica, the celebrated botanist, Philip Miller was now hissuccessor.[1]

All hands were now set to work, some to preparing houses, barracks,and lodgments for the new comers; some to unlade the vessels and storethe cargo, and some to extend the wharf. The General, also, made acontract with persons for laying out and clearing the roads, and formaking fortifications at the south.

By none, perhaps, was his return more cordially welcomed than by TomoChichi and Toonahowi. They brought with them two Indian runners, whohad waited two months to give notice to the lower and upper Creeks, ofhis arrival.

He received, also, the visit of a deputation from Purrysburgh,consisting of the Honorable Hector Berenger de Beaufain and M. TisleyDechillon, a patrician of Berne, with several other Swiss gentlemen,to congratulate his return, and acquaint him with the condition oftheir settlement.

The United Brethren, or Moravians, as they were more usually called,who attended the other exiled Protestants, began immediately theirsettlement near to Savannah. As soon as their personal accommodationcould be effected, they sought the acquaintance of Tomo Chichi, andhis little tribe; ingratiated themselves with these their neighbors,and, "with money advanced by General Oglethorpe,"[1] built aschool-house for the children. "This school was called Irene, and laynot far from the Indian village."[2]

[Footnote 1: CARPZOVIUS, _Examination of the Religion of the UnitedBrethren_, p. 417. See Appendix, No. XVII.]

[Footnote 2: CRANZ'S _History of the United Brethren_, p. 226. It wasopened on the 15th of September.]

The Baron Von Reck, who had been to Ebenezer, returned on the 8th ofFebruary, accompanied with the Pastors Bolzius and Gronau, with thepetition of the people for liberty to remove, from the fords wherethey were, to a place ten miles to the east of their settlement,called "Red-bluff," at the mouth of the river, where it enters theSavannah; and that those of their community who had just arrived,instead of being destined to the southward, might be united with themand enjoy the benefit of their religious instructers and guides.Before giving a decisive answer, Oglethorpe deemed it proper toexamine their situation, and confer with the residents; and, notto keep them in suspense, especially as it was necessary to takeimmediate measures for the accommodation of the new comers, agreedto accompany the applicants on their return. Accordingly, he set outearly on the appointed day, in the scout-boat, to the residence of SirFrancis Bathurst, six miles above Savannah; and thence took horse, andpassed by the saw-mill set up by Mr. Walter Augustine, and, continuinghis ride through the woods, arrived that night at Ebenezer. Onreconnoitring the place the next day, he found that the Saltzburgershad constructed a bridge over the river, ten feet wide and eighty feetlong; that four good framed houses had been erected at the charge ofthe Trustees, one for each minister, one for a schoolmaster, and onefor a public store; and that a chapel, a guard-house, and a number ofsplit-board houses had been built by the people. All these, however,they were resolved to forsake, and form a new settlement on theborders of the Savannah river. Their chief objection to remaining was,that the land was not good, and that the corn-harvest had failed; yetthey acknowledged that they had a fine crop of peas, and many gardenvegetables; that their cattle thrived exceedingly, that they hadplenty of milk, and fine poultry and eggs. He endeavored to dissuadethem from moving; but, finding their dissatisfaction with theirpresent situation to be so decided, he yielded to their importunity;ordered a town to be laid out; and gave his unhesitating consent thatthe new comers should be incorporated with them. He then set out forthe Swiss settlement, where he arrived in the evening. He was receivedwith the greatest demonstrations of joy, and took lodgings at thehouse of Colonel Purry,[1] who had provided a handsome entertainmentfor him.

[Footnote 1: John Peter Purry, formerly of Neufchatel.]

The chief purpose of his visit to this place was to engage aconveyance for the Honorable Charles Dempsey to St. Augustine.This gentleman had come over with him in the Symond, having beencommissioned by the Spanish Minister in London to confer with theGovernor of Florida on the subject of the boundary between thatcountry and Georgia, and to effect some provisional treaty withGeneral Oglethorpe.[1] A contract was made with Major Richard toconduct this gentleman in a six-oared boat, being the best to beobtained, to his destination; and to be the bearer of a letter fromthe General, expressing his wish to remove all misunderstanding andjealousy.

[Footnote 1: In the _Impartial Inquiry_, &c. p.84, is a depositionwhich thus begins--"CHARLES DEMPSEY, of the Parish of St. Paul, CoventGarden, in the County of Middlesex, Esquire, aged fifty-four yearsand upwards, maketh that in the year one thousand seven hundred andthirty-five, this deponent went with the Honorable James Oglethorpe,Esq. to Georgia, in America, and was sent from thence by the saidOglethorpe to St. Augustine with letters to the Governor there; thatthis deponent continued going to and from thence until November, onethousand seven hundred and thirty-six," &c.]

On his return to Savannah he sent forward Captain Hugh Mackay, Jr.with a company of rangers, to travel by land to Darien, in order tomake observations on the intervening country, to compute the distance,and to judge of the practicability of a passable road; and Tomo Chichifurnished them with Indian guides.

The next day he attended a military review; after which, headdressed the assembled people in an animated speech, in which hiscongratulations, counsels, and good wishes were most affectionatelyexpressed. And he reminded them that, though it was yet "a day ofsmall things," experience must have strengthened the inducementsto industry and economy, by shewing them that, where they had beenregarded, the result had been not only competence, but thrift.

He then took leave of them, and went down to the ships at Tybee.

CHAPTER IX.

Special destination of the last Emigrants--Oglethorpe makesarrangements for their transportation to the Island of St.Simons--Follows with Charles Wesley--Arrives and lays out a Town tobe called Frederica--Visits the Highlanders at Darien--Returns andsuperintends the building of a Fort--All the people arrive--Barracksfor the Soldiers put up, and a Battery erected--Visited by TomoChichi, and Indians, who make a cession of the Islands--Reconnoitresthe Islands and gives names to them--Commissioners from St.Augustine--Apparently amicable overtures--Oglethorpe goes to Savannahto hold a conference with a Committee from South Carolina respectingtrade with the Indians--Insolent demand of the Spaniards--Oglethorpeembarks for England.

As the destination of the large number of intended settlers, which hadnow arrived was "for the purpose of laying out a county and building anew town near the southern frontier of Georgia," and the people werewaiting to be conducted by the General to "the place of habitation,"he was very active in making arrangements for their transportation,and, on the evening of the 16th of February, 1739, set out in thescout-boat,[1] through the inward channels, to meet, at Jekyl sound, asloop that he had chartered to take on some of the more efficient menas pioneers, and to make some preparation for the reception of theemigrants.[2] He took with him Charles Wesley, who was to be hisSecretary as well as Chaplain; Mr. Ingham having gone by a previousopportunity; and left John Wesley and Delamotte at Savannah.[3]

[Footnote 1: Appendix, No. XVIII.]

[Footnote 2: "The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgiain America, ordered a new town to be built in that Colony, and anembarkation to be made for that purpose."]

[Footnote 3: Many of the particulars in this chapter are takenfrom the Journal of THOMAS MOORE, who was present. As that work isextremely rare, I adopted its information more verbally than I shouldhave done had I anticipated that it was so soon to be republished inthe _Collections of the Georgia Historical Society_.]

As Oglethorpe was in haste, the men rowed night and day, and had noother rest than what they got when the wind favored their course; and"they vied with each other who should be forwardest to please theGeneral, who, indeed, lightened their sense of fatigue by givingthem refreshments, which he rather spared from himself than let themwant."[1]

[Footnote 1: MOORE, p. 42.]

On the morning of the 18th they arrived at St. Simons, an island nearthe north mouth of the Alatamaha river, fifteen miles in length, andfrom two to four in breadth. Here the working men and carpenters whocame in the sloop and long boats, disembarked, and were immediatelyset to work.

Oglethorpe not only directed and superintended, but actually assistedin the labors. They soon got up a house and thatched it with palmettoleaves; dug a cellar, and throwing up the earth on each side, by wayof bank, raised over it a store house; and then marked out a fort.They next constructed several booths, each of which was betweentwenty and forty feet long, and twenty feet wide. These were for thereception and temporary shelter of the Colonists.

After this, the General paid a visit to the Highlanders, at theirsettlement called "the Darien," a distance of sixteen miles on thenorthern branch of the Alatamaha. He found them under arms, in theiruniform of plaid, equipped with broad swords, targets, and muskets; inwhich they made a fine appearance. In compliment to them, he was thatmorning, and all the time that he was with them, dressed in theircostume. They had provided him a fine soft bed, with Holland sheets,and plaid curtains; but he chose to lie upon the ground, and inthe open air, wrapt in his cloak, as did two other gentlemen; andafterwards his example was followed by the rest of his attendants.This condescending and accommodating disposition not only conciliatedthe regards of the settlers, but encouraged them both by example andaid in going through their arduous labors, and in submitting to theexigences of their situation. Happily his constitution was framed toa singular temperament, which enabled him to require but very littlesleep; and he was capable of enduring long and frequent fasting,when imposed upon him either by necessity or business, without anyobservable prejudice to his health, or any other inconvenience. Agentleman, who was one of the party, in a letter, dated 24th ofFebruary, 1736, declares, "What surprizes me, beyond expression,is his abstemiousness and hard living. Though even dainties areplentiful, he makes the least use of them; and such is his hardiness,that he goes through the woods wet or dry, as well as any Indian.Moreover, his humanity so gains upon all here, that I have not wordsto express their regard and esteem for him." He further adds, "Theyhave a Minister here, Mr. McLeod, a very good man, who is very usefulin instructing the people in religious matters, and will intermeddlewith no other affairs."[1] How commendably prudent, as well asaltogether proper, was this avoidance of secular topics and partydiscussions in preaching; and how conducive to social accordance andpeace, as well as spiritual edification, was soon apparent in thelamentable effects of a different use of the ministerial function inthe other settlements.

[Footnote 1: _Gentleman's Magazine_, 1736, p. 229.]

Having remained a few days with his favorite Highland corps, hereturned to St. Simons, where he found Tomo Chichi, Toonahowi, and aparty of Indians consisting of about forty men, "all chosen warriorsand good hunters;" who had come down to show him what Islands theyclaimed as having belonged to their nation, but which had been cededto him by treaty, and to which they would now give him the formalpossession. To accomplish this, the General fitted out an expedition,to take them with him in the two ten-oared boats, with Major Horton,Mr. Tanner, and some other gentlemen as his escort; and a sufficientnumber of able hands both as boat-men and soldiers, and to man theperiagua,[1] with Highlanders under the command of Captain HughMackay. He the more readily engaged in this excursion from animpatient desire to gain intelligence of Major Richard, and thedeputation to St. Augustine.

[Footnote 1: The Periagua is a long flat-bottomed boat, carrying fromtwenty to thirty-five tons. It is constructed with a forecastle and acabin; but the rest is open, and there is no deck. It has two masts,which the sailors can strike, and sails like those of schooners. It isrowed, generally, with two oars only.]

They set out on the 18th of March. On the first day they visited anisland in the mouth of the Alatamaha, sixteen miles long, and from oneto five broad; opposite the entrance of the great Latilla river. Bythe Indians it was called WISSOE, _Sassafras_; but the Spaniards hadnamed it _San Pedro_. Toonahowi, pulling out a watch that had beengiven him by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, desired thatit should bear his name; saying, "He gave me this watch, that we mightknow how time went; and we will remember _him_ while time goes; andthis place must have his name, that others may be reminded of him."The General left Captain Mackay and the Highlanders here, withdirections to build a fort on the high ground, commanding the passesof the river; which, at their desire, should be called St. Andrews. Onthe south-east part of this island another strong fort was afterwardsbuilt, called Fort William, which commanded Amelia Sound, and theinland passage from St. Augustine.

On their excursion, the next day, they passed the Clogothea, an arm ofthe Alatamaha, and went ashore on a delightful island, about thirteenmiles long, and two broad, with orange trees, myrtles and vinesgrowing on it. The wild-grape vines here, as on the borders of theSavannah, grow to the very top of the trees, and hang from limb tolimb in festoons, as if trimmed and twined by art.[1] The name of thisisland, _Santa Maria_, they changed to AMELIA, in honor of her RoyalHighness.

[Footnote 1: Journal of the Rev. Mr. Bolzius, who, it seems, was oneof the party. See URLSPURGER, I. 845.]

On the third day they came to an island which had borne the name of_San Juan_; but claiming it as belonging to his Majesty, and thesouthernmost part of his Provinces on the sea-coast of North America,they named it GEORGE's.

As they approached the Spanish _look-out, [Haser centinela]_ which isposted on the Florida side of the St. John's river, the Indians shewedtheir desire of making an assault upon it, as "some of them wererelated to those that had been killed, the winter before, by adetachment from St. Augustine; and one of them, Poyeechy by name,had been wounded by the Spaniards." The General, though with muchdifficulty, persuaded them to forbear; and prevailed upon them toreturn to what is called "the Palmetto ground," near to Amelia Island,in one of the scout-boats, under the care of Major Horton. When theyhad got entirely out of sight, he purposed to cross over and inquireof the Spanish guard what had become of his boat and the commissionerto the Governor of Florida.[1]

[Footnote 1: The district, as far as St. John's, was taken from theSpaniards in Queen Anne's time; and at the time of the Peace ofUtrecht it was in the possession of the English allied Indians. Now,since by this treaty all lands in America were declared to belong totheir then present owners, and the said Indians still occupy it, andhaving acknowledged themselves subjects to the King of Great Britain,by cession, the territory became his.]

On going ashore they found no men at the look-out, and therefore wentdown to the lower one, which was also deserted. They then set out ontheir return, and passing between the St. George and Talbot Islandcame to the rendezvous at the Palmetto ground. There they met Mr.Horton in the scout-boat, and some boats of Indians; but Tomo Chichi,with two boats, was gone.

Here Mr. Moore, whom I follow, narrates a serio-comic adventure,which, though it may be, to some of my readers, a twice-told tale,will bear repeating.

"About four hours in the night, their sentry challenged a boat, andUmpichi, one of those that had been in England, answered, and at thesame time leaped on shore with four others, and ran up to the fireswhere Mr. Oglethorpe then was. They seemed in such a rage as is hardlyto be described. Their eyes glowed, as it were with fire. Some ofthem foamed at the mouth, and moved with such bounds that they seemedrather possessed.

"Mr. Oglethorpe asked Umpichi what the matter was. He said 'TomoChichi has seen enemies, and has sent us to tell it, and to help you.'Being asked why the Mico did not come back himself, he said, 'He is anold warrior, and will not come away from his enemies, who hunt uponour lands, till he has seen them so near as to count them. He sawtheir fire, and therefore sent to take care of you, who are hisfriends. He will make a warrior of Toonahowi, and, before daylight,will be revenged for his men whom they killed whilst he was gone toEngland. But _we_ shall have no honor, for we shall not be there.'The rest of the Indians seemed to catch the raging fits, at not beingpresent. Mr. Oglethorpe asked if he thought there were many. He said'Yes! he thought the enemies were a great many, for they had a greatfire upon a high ground, and the Indians never make large fires, butwhen they are so strong as to despise all resistance.'

"Mr. Oglethorpe immediately ordered all his people on board, and theyrowed very briskly to where Tomo Chichi was; being about four milesdistant.

"They found him, with his Indians, with hardly any fire, only a fewsparks behind a bush, to prevent discovery; who told them that theyhad been to see the fire, and had discovered seven or eight white men,but the Indians, they believed, had encamped further in the woods, forthey had not seen them; but Tomo Chichi was going out again to lookfor the Indians, whom, as soon as he discovered, he intended to givethe signal to attack both the parties at once; one half creeping near,and taking each their aim at those whom they saw most awake; and, assoon as they had fired, to run in with their hatchets, and at the sametime those who had not fired to run in with their loaded arms; that ifthey knew once where the Indians were, they would be sure of killingall the white men, since they, being round the fire, were easily seen,and the same fire hindered them from seeing others.

"Mr. Oglethorpe tried to dissuade them from that attempt, but withgreat difficulty could obtain of them to delay a little time; theythinking it argued cowardice. At last they got up and resolved to goin spite of all his endeavors; on which he told them, 'You certainlygo to kill them in the night, because you are afraid of seeing them byday. Now, I do not fear them. Stay till day, and I will go with you,and see who they are.'

"Tomo Chichi sighed, and sat down, and said, 'We do not fear themby day; but if we do not kill them by night, they will kill youto-morrow.' So they stayed.

"By daybreak Mr. Oglethorpe and the Mico went down with their men, andcame to the fire, which they thought had been made by enemies, whichwas less than a mile from where the Mico had passed the night. Theysaw a boat there, with a white flag flying, and the men proved to beMajor Richard, and his attendants, returned from Augustine.

"The Indians then seemed ashamed of their rage, which inspired them tokill men before they knew who they were."

The meeting, under these circumstances, was doubly joyous. Aftermutual congratulations, he was informed by Major Richard that "hewas cast away before he could get to St. Augustine; that part of thebaggage was lost; but the boat and men saved. That, having scrambledthrough the breakers, and walked some leagues through the sands, theywere met by Don Pedro Lamberto, a Captain of the horse, and by himconducted to the Governor, who received them with great civility; andthat the reason of his long stay was to get the boat repaired." Hebrought letters from Don Francisco del Morale Sanchez, Captain Generalof Florida, and Governor of St. Augustine. These commenced withcompliments, thanking him for the letters brought by Charles Dempsey,Esq. and Major Richard; which, however, were followed by complaintsthat the Creek Indians had assaulted and driven away the Spanishsettlers on the borders of the St. Mattheo,[1] and intimations ofdispleasure at the threatening appearance of the forts which he waserecting, and forces which manned them. Major Richard said that theGovernor expected an answer in three weeks, and desired him to bringit. He added, that despatches had been sent to the Havana to apprizethe Government of the arrival of the new settlers, and of the positionwhich they had taken.

[Footnote 1: The St. John's.]

"The same day they returned toward St. Andrew's; but not having depthof water enough through the narrows of Amelia, the scout-boats wereobliged to halt there; but the Indians advanced to the south end ofCumberland, where they hunted, and carried venison to St. Andrews."

By the directions and encouragements of the General, the works at St.Simons were carried on with such expedition, that, by the middle ofApril, the fort, which was a regular work of tabby, a composition ofoyster shells and lime, was finished; and thirty-seven palmetto houseswere put up, in which all the people might be sheltered till theycould build better.

About the centre of the west end of the island, a town was laid out,which he called FREDERICA, with wide streets, crossing each other atright angles. These were afterwards skirted with rows of orange trees.

The ground being properly divided, "the people, who had now allarrived, having been brought in a little fleet of periaguas, were putin possession of their respective lots, on the 19th of April, in orderthat each man might begin to build and improve for himself. But thehouses that had been built, and the fields that had been tilled andsown, were, as yet, to be in common for the public benefit."

At the south end of the island he caused to be erected a strongbattery, called Fort St. Simons, commanding the entrance to Jekylsound; and a camp of barracks and some huts.

[Illustration: Map of the Coast, Sea-Islands and early settlements ofGeorgia.]

In point of situation, a better place for a town, a fortress, and aharbor, could hardly be wished in that part of the country; lying, asit does, at the mouth of a very fine river. The surface of the islandwas covered with oak and hickory trees, intermixed with meadows andold Indian fields; the soil was rich and fertile, and in all places,where they tried, they found fresh water within nine feet of thesurface.[1]

[Footnote 1: See "_History of the Rise, Progress, and Present Stateof the Colony of Georgia_," in Harris's _Collection of Voyages andTravels_, Vol. II. p. 330, 2d ed. Lond. 1764. The best history, up tothe date of publication, extant.]

On the 25th, Oglethorpe and his men, and Major Richard and hisattendants, got back to Frederica. On the next day the Indiansarrived, the purpose of whose intended visit had been announcedby Tomo Chichi. Having encamped by themselves near the town, theyprepared for a dance; to which Oglethorpe went with all his people.

"They made a ring, in the middle of which four sat down, having littledrums, made of kettles, covered with deer skins, upon which they beat,and sung. Round these the others danced, being naked to their waists,and having round their middle many trinkets tied with skins; and somehad the tails of beasts hanging down behind them. They had paintedtheir faces and bodies; and their hair was stuck with feathers. In onehand they had a rattle, in the other the feathers of an eagle made uplike the caduceus of Mercury; they shook there plumes and the rattle,and danced round the ring with high bounds and antic postures, lookingmuch like the figures of the Satyrs.

"They showed great activity, and kept just time in their motions; andat certain times answered, by way of chorus, to those that sat in themiddle of the ring. They stopt; and then one of the chief warriorsstood out, who sang what wars he had been in, and described by motionsas well as by words, which way he had vanquished the enemies of hiscountry. When he had done, all the rest gave a shout of approbation,as knowing what he said to be true."[1]